County hears TxDOT plan to replace bridge

Donley County Commissioners learned more about the state’s plan to replace a local bridge during their meeting Monday, December 12.

Texas Department of Transportation representatives Chuck Steed and Annabel Jurado addressed the court about a bridge near Lelia Lake on CR 20.

Donley County Judge John Howard said TxDOT plans to replace the bridge with a new concrete structure in 2025 at a cost of about $250,000. The county will be required to provide a ten percent match for that money, but it can do so by performing “in kind” work approved by the state.

County officials discussed the idea of doing away with the bridge and having a low water crossing instead. However, if the location is removed from the bridge system, the county would bear the entire cost of building any future bridge at that location, Howard said. It was decided then to proceed with the state’s bridge replacement plan.

In other business, commissioners discussed the merits of purchasing or leasing a scraper to try to mix different materials into some of the county’s sandy roads to make a better surface. Howard said the court agreed instead to advertise for bids to contract out that work.

Officials also agreed to re-bid work needed on the windows of the 1890 Courthouse.

The court agreed to administer the oaths of office to newly elected officials on December 30 at 9 a.m.. Terms office will still begin on January 1.

County policies and procedures were also discussed regarding how to canvass future election results.